Victor Osimhen continued his remarkable goal-scoring form, netting his 31st goal of the season a day after fellow internationals Alex Iwobi and Nathan Tella provided crucial assists for their European clubs, while Deborah Abiodun delivered a dazzling performance for Dallas Trinity in America’s USL Super League, PETER AKINBO reports
TURKEY
VICTOR OSIMHEN (GALATASARAY)
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen continued his brilliant form in Turkey, scoring and assisting as Galatasaray cruised to a 5-1 victory over Eyüpspor on Sunday evening.
The Nigeria international, who has been a sensation in Istanbul since his loan move from Napoli, provided the assist for Roland Sallai’s opening goal in the 26th minute before getting on the scoresheet himself in the second half.
In the 71st minute, Osimhen showcased his sharp instincts, looping the ball past a defender and firing a shot at goal. Although his initial attempt was blocked, he reacted swiftly to bury the rebound into the net.
The goal took Osimhen’s tally for the season to an impressive 31 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances across all competitions — equaling his personal best of 31 goals achieved during Napoli’s title-winning 2022/23 Serie A campaign.
Osimhen’s relentless scoring has now placed him within touching distance of Galatasaray’s all-time record for most goals in a single season by a foreign player. He currently sits fourth on the list, trailing Brazilian legend Mario Jardel, who netted 34 goals during the 2000–01 campaign. Mauro Icardi and Bafétimbi Gomis are joint-second with 32 goals each.
With Galatasaray chasing a domestic double, Osimhen’s form could prove crucial in ensuring a historic end to the season.
OLAWOYIN, AKINTOLA (RIZESPOR)
Ibrahim Olawoyin played the full 90 minutes while David Akintola featured for 59 minutes before making way for Abdulkadir Omur as Rizespor suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kayserispor.
Olawoyin received a yellow card in the 75th minute as the visitors struggled to create meaningful chances. Rizespor had opportunities through Taha and Nazon but couldn’t convert as Kayserispor held on for all three points.
ENGLAND
TAIWO AWONIYI (NOTTINGHAM FOREST)
Awoniyi came on for Chris Wood in the 71st minute as Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup hopes were dashed by Manchester City, who secured a 2-0 victory to reach their third successive final.
Forest were desperately unlucky not to score, hitting the woodwork an incredible three times. After Rico Lewis had given City a second-minute lead, Forest attempted to claw themselves back into the contest following Josko Gvardiol’s 51st-minute header that doubled City’s advantage.
Substitute Awoniyi clipped an effort against the post as Forest’s luck deserted them, ensuring it was not going to be their day as City booked a Wembley return against Crystal Palace.
FRANCE
MOSES SIMON (NANTES FC)
Simon featured for 66 minutes as Nantes were held to a frustrating goalless draw against 10-man Toulouse. Despite playing with a numerical advantage for more than half the match following Edjouma’s 38th-minute dismissal, Antoine Kombouaré’s side failed to find a breakthrough.
The Canaries had their chances, with Douglas Augusto hitting the post in first-half stoppage time. After the break, Simon provided a cross for Matthis Abline, whose header was blocked before falling to Mostafa Mohamed, but the Egyptian couldn’t hit the target.
The result leaves Nantes 14th in Ligue 1, four points clear of the relegation play-off spot with their next fixture against Angers SCO on Sunday, May 4.
SATURDAY
SCOTLAND
CYRIEL DESSERS (RANGERS)
Super Eagles striker Dessers was on target for Rangers in their 2-2 draw against St Mirren at the SMISA Stadium, Paisley.
The Nigerian forward opened the scoring with a composed finish three minutes before halftime, demonstrating the clinical edge that has defined his season.
It was Dessers’ 13th goal in the Scottish Premiership and his 23rd across all competitions, highlighting his importance to Rangers’ campaign.
ENGLAND
ALEX IWOBI (FULHAM)
Super Eagles midfielder Iwobi recorded his sixth assist of the season for Fulham in their 2-1 victory over Southampton.
The creative midfielder has enjoyed his most productive Premier League campaign to date, contributing nine goals and six assists in 34 appearances for the Cottagers this season.
His Nigerian compatriot Calvin Bassey played the entire duration of the encounter for Fulham as they secured all three points.
GERMANY
NATHAN TELLA (BAYER LEVERKUSEN)
Tella showcased his creative abilities by providing an assist in Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 win over Augsburg at the Bay Arena.
The winger teed up Patrick Schick for the game’s opening goal in the 13th minute as Xabi Alonso’s side continued their remarkable unbeaten run this season.
Fellow Nigeria international Victor Boniface was an unused substitute for the duration of the game, while Frank Onyeka played the full 90 minutes for visitors Augsburg.
USA
DEBORAH ABIODUN (DALLAS TRINITY)
Super Falcons midfielder Abiodun continued to impress at her USL club Dallas Trinity FC as she shone in their 3-1 win over Lexington SC at the Cotton Bowl on Saturday night.
Abiodun, who is on loan from Washington Spirit, assisted fellow loanee Tamara Bolt for the first goal of the game as early as the fifth minute, helping Dallas Trinity move to second place in the USL Super League standings.
